Authentic Leadership in a Digital Age: Why Handshakes and Notes Still Matter

Hey there, Jim Lord here, your guide to leadership with a heart, writing from the vibrant pulse of Newark Airport (while trying to get back to Toronto). With three decades steering teams through corporate challenges, I’ve learned that the most enduring lessons often come from the simplest moments—like the time I sent a handwritten note to a struggling team member and watched their confidence soar.

Image of an authentic business meeting with analogue handshake and written note

In today’s digital-first world, where AI and virtual meetings dominate, there’s a quiet rebellion gaining traction: the return to analog leadership. Think firm handshakes, in-person huddles, or a scribbled thank-you note that lands harder than any email. Recent trends back this up—businesses are rediscovering the power of human connection to build trust and drive results. Let’s explore why these old-school practices still pack a punch, with a touch of humility (because I’m still learning, too) and some practical steps to bring analog back into your leadership toolkit.

The digital age is incredible—Zoom keeps us connected across continents, and my son’s social media agency in Florida thrives on tech. But as leaders, we can’t ignore the data: in-person interactions boost collaboration and innovation, with 2025 studies showing face-to-face meetings enhance transparency through non-verbal cues, leading to stronger team outcomes.  Handwritten notes? They’re not just nostalgic; they’re a secret weapon. Articles this year highlight how they create emotional connections, standing out in a flood of digital noise to strengthen client and team relationships. And the firm handshake? It’s still a universal signal of trust and respect, a cornerstone of business etiquette that sets the tone for meaningful partnerships.

The “analog revolution” in leadership development emphasizes human-centered experiences over tech-heavy solutions, balancing digital efficiency with personal engagement.  In my book, Don’t Wait, Lead Now, I share how I once sent 60 handwritten notes to top sales reps—folks with decades at the firm said it was a first, and it built loyalty that emails never could.

Let’s be real: I’m no calligraphy expert (my daughter might say my notes look like a doctor’s script), but that imperfection is what makes analog authentic. It’s the opposite of a polished AI-generated reply—it’s human, messy, and memorable. In a world where my daughter’s nursing studies at Providence College rely on digital simulations, she still values the in-person mentorship that shapes her growth. Analog leadership isn’t about rejecting tech; it’s about amplifying it with humanity.

Here are three actionable steps to weave analog into your leadership this week—simple, because we’re all stretched thin:

1.  Pen a Handwritten Note: Ditch the keyboard for a personal thank-you or encouragement note to a colleague or client. Action: Write one 5-minute note today to someone who’s gone above and beyond. Check in a week later to gauge the impact.

2.  Host an In-Person Connection: Swap a virtual call for a face-to-face meeting, even if it’s just coffee with a key team member. Action: Schedule one in-person interaction this week and note how body language deepens the conversation.

3.  Perfect the Handshake: At your next meeting or event, offer a confident, eye-contact-driven handshake. It’s a small gesture with big trust-building power. Action: Practice with a peer, then use it in your next professional encounter and reflect on the connection it fosters.

As I share in Don’t Wait, Lead Now (available on Amazon), leadership thrives on authenticity, and nothing says “I see you” like an analog gesture in a digital world. Let’s not let screens steal the soul of our connections. What’s your favorite analog leadership trick? Share it in the comments—I’m all ears (and maybe a little ink-stained).

Keep it real,

Jim Lord